scenes from Long Island

It looks like the heat is fairly evenly distributed across the U.S. this Labor Day weekend. In between dipping into a steaming hot garden to cut back agastache, anthemis and senecio, I’m catching up on work and going through summer photos, a much cooler occupation than tangling with rampant summer growth. How different were the mild days of late June when a group of us toured Long Island, New York, which has a vibrant garden culture. I had expected Long Island’s weather to be pretty much what I’m experiencing now, hot and muggy, but it was the mildest, most deliciously cool touring weather one could hope for.

Madoo Conservancy

Longhouse Reserve

A charmer in a container, Aruncus aethusifolius. Longhouse Reserve

gesneriad in the greenhouse at Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens

Immaculately kept greenhouse at Old Westbury Gardens

Tender exotics like Solandra maxima, the cup of gold vine, at Old Westbury Gardens.

Tropical vireya rhododendrons

If begonias are the next big thing in plants, Long Island definitely got the memo. Old Westbury Gardens.

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens

Possibly Alcantarea imperialis, a giant among bromeliads and a favorite of Roberto Burle Marx, at Old Westbury Gardens

Long Island nurseries were bursting with tropicals which will flourish in the heat and humidity

How beautiful, It’s hard to believe that was more than two months ago. Beautiful photos Denise. It’s really fun to see all these gardens through someone else’s lens. I don’t believe I even took two pictures in Madoo and only barely remember that seating area.

Since we’re enjoying a stay-at-home Labor Day weekend this was a special treat, I feel like I took a bit of a jaunt.

Regarding those Begonias this will be an interesting trend and test for me (if it develops) the foliage lover. I’ve never been a fan, too fleshy, too “old lady”…but damn if they don’t have some beautiful colors and patterns.

@Peter, you never know what to expect weather-wise. Who knew the Bay Area would be roasting hot for the fling?
@Sue, and the food!
@Deanne, so many first-rate nurseries too. LI is just a great destination for touring.
@Loree, I know what you mean about the begonias, but I’m certain there’s some great plants in this vast genus. I’ve picked some real dogs tho. Even my luxurians isn’t looking too happy this summer.

Though I technically live on Long Island (Brooklyn), we always head west to western NJ, so I appreciated seeing this post. So much to see. I suppose I should stay in and head out east a couple of weekends.